There's always a temptation for me to just not go.
Relief almost washes over me as I contemplate the excuses that could keep me away. Those introverted thoughts of how awkward I will feel or the pressure I'll put on myself to initiate connections.
Exhausting.
But I tend to be a rule follower and I follow through on my commitments. I muster the courage to just go.
And the premonitions of uncomfortable initiations and discussions of weather happen just as I had imagined they would.
Sometimes I hear my sweatpants and slippers calling me away from the round table-clothed table filled with women I don't really know…yet.
But I rarely regret sticking it out because being there holds so much possibility. If I'm patient, a connection is made, a conversation moves beyond the mundane to something meaningful.I leave with a sense of belonging, if only for the moment.
And I know, there's value in being together.
So whether you volunteer in ministry or join a movement, whether you go to that bible study or participate in a conference, you are part of something bigger than yourself.
For some of us, it takes some intention to join or volunteer or participate in, but I believe it's well worth putting yourself out there.
Because so much more can be accomplished when we do it together.
This is a post in a series called, 31 days of Intentional Living. You can find all the posts in this series here, updated each day in October. Category: Inspirational & Faith
Linking today with Lisa-Jo…
Visiting from FMF. You are so right. I know that feeling and worry that introvert wanting to stay home. I rarely regret actually going, being, joining- but it's that initial push to leave the house that's the hurdle. Enjoy your day! Your family is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI am stopping by from FMF. I couldn't resist the click when I saw that we shared first names ;-) But you are right. There is always a pause before jumping into the unknown but it is such a beautiful thing to be in unity with one another. And once we come together we realize it is not only for ourselves, but for others. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am totally like this - I have a hard time psyching myself out of my comfort zone. But oh, it is so worth it when I do!
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm an introvert too. I cover for myself by being a natural performer, but performance is really about being in control. It's hard to let go of that and just be yourself around people, but it's really worth it. Glad you're getting out and finding the value in "together." God bless (on and thanks for the Twitter follow!)
ReplyDeleteDear Christy
ReplyDeleteI really think that just being there together with all the other ladies in the unity of Jesus' sweet Holy Spirit of love, is enough to make all your misgivings disappear. How I wish I could have been at Allume with you all, but South Africa is a bit too far away!!! Enjoy yourself, dear one. I pray that Pappa will bless you all with His presence and envelope you with His love.
Blessings XX
Mia
Those introverted thoughts bang around in my head, too, Christy. I'm always thankful when I push myself into going. And like you said, the mundane turns into meaningful.
ReplyDelete